Lower Nazareth Township has managed to ward off a property tax increase next year despite needing to contribute more for police services.

In the proposed $3.57 million 2013 municipal budget unveiled to the public during tonight's board meeting, Township Manager Timm Tenges delivered a budget with no tax increase without laying off any municipal employees, combining positions or cutting services.

The budget is 5 percent less than last year’s 3.75 million and includes a hike of more than $36,000 in police costs.

“We’re learning to do more with less,” said Tenges, noting this was one of the township’s worst years in recent memory.

Earlier this month, the township learned it would need to come up with its share of an increased Colonial Regional Police Commission budget. Initially, supervisors were asked to come up with $47,411; however, Timm Tenges said Thursday a subsequent draft of the police budget now has reduced the increase to $36,324.

The township contracts its police services with the Colonial Regional Police Department and the commission asked Lower Nazareth to help balance its proposed $3.3 million 2013 budget. Last year’s police budget called for 3.6 percent, or $3.2 million, less spending.

Police Commission Chairman Glenn Walbert previously said the increased police spending comes from many factors, including a contract with the police union. The contract with 22 Colonial Regional officers ends Dec. 31. The commission needs to finalize its budget by January.

The township will save $4,000 next year by providing in-house trash removal rather than hiring a hauler, Tenges said. He also applies for state grants when necessary, had the lighting in the municipal building revamped to cut down on utility costs and has held back on some equipment purchases.

“It's little stuff like that we do to trim back,” he said.

Supervisors plan to vote to advertise the proposed budget on Nov. 14 and plan to approve it by the Dec. 12 board meeting.

Supervisors applauded Tenges for his effort, noting the zero tax increase also comes as the township plans to move into a new municipal complex and public works facility on what is now Selvaggio Drive. The building had been purchased for about $1.4 million in capital reserves.